Vescent ICE Quick setup guide

2019/05/01 00:16 1/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
OEM Integration Guide
Overview
The ICE Platform consists of daughter modules that are connected together through a common power
and communications bus. The daughter modules can be controlled by a master controller (ICE-MC1)
that performs power regulation, monitoring, and communications interfacing. All the circuit boards are
designed to the same template so that they can be stacked together to form a board-to-board bus
without the use of an additional backplane. An example of this stacking is shown below in figure 1.
Fig. 1: ICE daughter modules stacked together.
Each PCB has common locations for mounting holes, board-to-board interconnects, I/O connectors,
and heatsinking tabs. Once the boards are stacked together, each board can be addressed and
communicated with through a serial I2C bus (see this page for I2C details). Each daughter board can
have a specific I2C address set via dip switches on each circuit board and the master controller (ICE-
MC1) can route commands directly to each board. The master controller also routes and manages the
power bus going to each board. Up to 8 I2C addresses can be assigned, allowing up to 8 daughter
boards to be connected to a single master controller (for a total stack of 9 circuit boards). In addition
to the I2C communications bus, there are global event trigger lines that are routed directly to every
circuit board. These global trigger lines form the Event System, which allows high-speed triggering of
pre-defined behavior through TTL without the overhead of USB or serial communications. The block
diagram in figure 2 shows how master-daughter and event system communication is routed.

Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37 ice:oem_integration http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ Printed on 2019/05/01 00:16
Fig. 2: Communication system block diagram.
Considerations for integrating the ICE Platform stack in an OEM situation are detailed in the remainder
of this document. Important key points include deciding on the type and quantity of daughter
modules to use and how that relates to the overall power budget for both the power supply and the
maximum currents that can be routed through the power bus. The mechanics of mounting the circuit
boards and designing a thermal management system must also be designed. Connections for
communication and I/O from the circuit boards to the integrator's system are also detailed in the
document.
Can't find what you are looking for? A forum has been established for Q&A and information
dissemination. We invite you to join.
Power Requirements
Power Entry
Power needs to be supplied to the power bus headers on all ICE circuit boards. These headers and
respective supply voltages are shown in figure 3. The ICE master controller board (ICE-MC1) takes a
single power entry point and distributes power to these headers. The master controller board also
provides fault protection, power sequencing, in-rush current protection, and over-current protection in
addition to distributing power. It is highly recommended to only power the ICE board stack through an
ICE master controller for these functions. If power is applied by the OEM integrator directly to the ICE
power bus, the ICE power sequencing and protection requirements in this document must be strictly
followed to avoid damaging connected ICE modules.

2019/05/01 00:16 3/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
Fig. 3: ICE-MC1 Master and Control Board connector schematic (as viewed from component side).
Power Entry Through ICE Master Controller
Power is provided at J1 (Molex P/N: 0039303056). Pin definition shown in figure 3. The return current
path for +5V_A is GND_A. This wiring connected to this return path should be capable of carrying the
maximum current of the +5V_A line. Since the master controller handles all power sequencing
requirements, the power connections for 5V_A, +15V, and -15V can be applied in any order so long as
both ground connections have been established. The master controller will not turn on if any of the
required voltages are not present or are out of range. These power entry inputs are also reverse-
polarity protected. When the master controller enables power to the daughter boards via the power
bus, power is in-rush current limited to less than 10A on the 5V_A line and 3A on the 15V lines.

Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37 ice:oem_integration http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ Printed on 2019/05/01 00:16
The signals GND and GND_A are shorted together on the
circuit board through a jumper, but this can be removed.
Power Entry Via Direct Power Bus Connection
Direct power connection to the power headers on ICE
daughter modules is discouraged due to possible damage to
modules if proper power sequencing is not followed.
Power can be provided directly to the internal power bus headers if no master controller is used in the
system, but this is highly discouraged as the power requirements are much more strict in order to
prevent damaging system components. There are three power bus connectors shown in figure 3 that
utilize 0.1 inch double row board to board headers. The 6×2 headers (Samtec PN: ESQ-106-13-T-D) on
either side of the pcb carry 5V_A, +15V, +12V, -12V, -15V power rails and GND_A and GND signal.
Both of the headers must be powered by the same power rails and be connected to the same
grounds. The signal name GND_A is the return current path for the 5V_A rail which provides high
current to daughter modules which require it (such as the ICE-QT1). The 4×2 header (Samtec PN:
ESQ-104-13-T-D) in the center of the pcb carries the digital communications bus and +5V_D power
rail. The 5V_D power rail is designed to provide power to noisier digital components without
contaminating the other analog power rails. This power rail can be “starred” off of the 5V_A line. All
ground connections (GND, GND_A, GND_D) are intended to be starred at the power supply. The power
sequence for turning on and off each voltage rail must be followed as described in the power
sequencing section or damage will occur.
Power Draw by Module
The power supply capacity for the supply used to power the ICE stack must be sized appropriately to
handle expected power draw for the modules selected. Current draw is listed in the specifications for
each of the daughter modules. The typical values indicate the quiescent current draw, and the max
values represent worst case power draw depending on the functionality of the board. For example,
the ICE-QT1 quad temperature controller has a maximum expected current draw on the 5V_A rail that
depends on the maximum current supplied to thermo-electric coolers (TEC's). The maxiumum current
here depends on what the user sets the current limit to for each temperature controller section. The
max spec given is based on the highest current limit being set for each section, and the power supply
should be capable of supply that current unless those current limits are set lower. Another example
are the ICE-CS1 and ICE-CP1 modules, both of which include a laser current controller. The current
draw on the +15V depends on the laser current output, which has a maximum output current that can
be used to determine total current draw. This is detailed in the specifications charts on the respective
product pages for all these modules.
The ICE-MC1 master controller and ICE power bus have a maximum amount of current that can be
routed. This is specified in the maximum power consumption specification on the ICE-MC1 product
page. When choosing how many and which type of each daughter module a master controller can
support, the expected current draw of all daughter modules must not exceed the maximum power
consumption specification for the master controller. For example, the master controller and ICE power

2019/05/01 00:16 5/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
bus can only distribute a maximum of 10 amps on the 5V_A rail. If three ICE-QT1 temperature
controllers were chosen as daughter modules, and all the TEC current limits were left at maximum,
the three modules could potentially draw 12 amps. This would exceed the capacity of the power bus
and master controller. The master controller provide over-current protection, so it would shut down
power to the daughter modules and enter a fault condition if 12 amps were attempted to be drawn
from the 5V_A rail.
When choosing how many and which type of each daughter
module a master controller can support, the expected
current draw of all daughter modules must not exceed the
maximum power consumption specification for the master
controller.
Power Sequencing
Power sequencing is not required if using the ICE-MC1
master controller as it handles sequencing and startup
commands automatically.
The ICE power bus that distributes power to all daughter modules must have each voltage rail
properly sequenced when turning power on and off. The ICE-MC1 master controller automatically
takes care of this power sequencing to protect daughter modules. If power is being applied directly to
the power bus by the OEM integrator, the power sequencing outlined in this section must strictly be
followed to prevent damage to the daughter modules. Between each step, an appropriate amount of
settling-time should given for the previous power rail to settle (fully turn on or off) before proceeding
to the next step. This is generally at least 100 milliseconds for most power supplies and voltage
regulators. The I2C broadcast commands are detailed in the communications section, but are included
here to show the timing of when the commands should be sent. These commands are required to be
sent for safe shutdown and proper operation of ICE daughter modules.
The I2C System Ready and Shutdown commands are required
to be sent for safe shutdown and proper operation of ICE
daughter modules.
A delay of 100 ms (unless otherwise noted) is a generally
sufficient time to wait between each power sequence step to
allow the power supply to settle.

Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37 ice:oem_integration http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ Printed on 2019/05/01 00:16
Power On Sequence
Step Action
1 Enable 5V_D rail
2Enable external 3.3V pull-up resistors on I2C and GPIO1)
3 Enable +15V rail
4 Enable +12V rail
5 Enable -15V rail
6 Enable -12V rail
7 Enable 5V_A rail
8 Wait 2.5 seconds
9Broadcast System Ready I2C command2)
10 Broadcast Interlock Off I2C command3)
Power Off Sequence
Step Action
1Broadcast Shutdown I2C command4)
2 Wait 1 second
3 Disable 5V_A rail
4 Disable -12V rail
5 Disable -15V rail
6 Disable +12V rail
7 Disable +15V rail
8Disable external 3.3V pull-up resistors on I2C and GPIO5)
9 Disable 5V_D rail
Power Button
The ICE-MC1 master controller is designed to allow a push switch to be wired up to turn on and
shutdown the ICE stack. There is a 4-pin Molex connector (Molex PN: 22-05-3041) which allows for
connection to a “OFF-Mom” style (normally off, momentary on) push switch and power for an LED to
indicate power state. The pin diagram is shown in figure 3, labeled as “Power Switch”. For reference,
the pin definition is shown in table 1.
Pin Name Function
1 Switch Connect to one terminal of push switch
2 GND_D Connect to other terminal of push switch
3 LED+ Provides 5V to connect to positive terminal of LED
4 LED- Connected to ground (GND_D) through 249Ω resistor and transistor
Tab. 1: Pin definitions for power switch connector
The momentary push switch should short to GND_D (provided on the connector) when activated. The
master controller handles switch debouncing and will toggle the system power on and off with each
press of the switch. For testing and toggling system power without an external switch connected,
there is a SMD tactile switch located on the underside of the master controller circuit board that is
wired in parallel to the external switch.

2019/05/01 00:16 7/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
The default behavior of the master controller is to remain powered off (no power is being distributed
to the daughter modules) when power is first applied to the board's power entry connector. Only after
the power switch is pressed will the master board turn on and provide power to the daughter
modules. The master controller will be completely powered off and will not respond to serial
commands until the power switch is pressed. Note that this behavior can be changed at the factory.
The master controller will not turn on when power is applied
to the power entry module. The power switch must be
toggled once to turn on power. This behavior can be changed
at the factory.
If no push switch is desired, the momentary switch can be
replaced with a MOSFET controlled by another part of the
OEM system.
Mechanics
Mounting
The ICE stack needs to be mounted to a grounded chassis. Each ICE circuit board has mounting holes
located in each corner for 4-40 thread standoffs. Please see the PCB Mechanical Specifications page
for measurements and technical drawings.
The mounting holes on each ICE circuit board are connected
to system ground (GND).
The primary method for mounting ICE boards to is to create a board stack as shown in figure 4. The
board stack is then affixed to a device chassis through the four 4-40 standoffs on either or both ends
of the stack. The ICE boards use board-to-board headers to create its own internal backplane for
power bussing and communications.

Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37 ice:oem_integration http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ Printed on 2019/05/01 00:16
Fig. 4: ICE circuit boards in a stacked configuration
An alternative style of mounting is to attach each circuit board side by side in the same plane. In this
case, no boards would be stacked on top of one another and a custom designed circuit board would
have to be used as backplane. This backplane circuit board would distribute power and
communications between the boards using the same 0.1 inch headers (see PCB Mechanical
Specifications page for part numbers) used on each ICE board.
Thermal Management
Please see PCB Mechanical Specifications page for more
details and technical drawings.
Each PCB exposes up to 4 copper tabs to conduct heat out from power dissipating components to an
external heat sink. The copper tabs are not electrically isolated, so electrical isolation is required at
the interface between the heatsink and copper tab. Failure to isolate these tabs will result in
malfunction of the ICE module. For electrical isolation with good thermal conductivity, Sil-Pad can be
used. Sil-Pad requires a certain amount of pressure to ensure good thermal conductivity, so a clamp
mechanism should be applied to the copper tabs. The Sil-Pad is shown in pink in figure 5 and figure 6.
Further information on thermal management of the ICE boards, including CAD drawings of the heat
sink clamp assembly, can be downloaded here.
Each copper heat sink tab must be electrically isolated from
the heatsink and one another.

2019/05/01 00:16 9/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
Fig. 5: Single PCB with Sil-Pad (shown in pink) wrapped around copper heatsink tabs.
Fig. 6: Detail of a clamping mechanism used to conduct heat with electrical isolation.
Board Connections
Each ICE daughter module exposes analog interfaces on the side opposite to the copper heatsink
tabs. Each module's circuit board may use a mixture of the connectors described in this section. Each
connector and an associated part number shown below such that the OEM integrator my chose a
suitable mating connector for their system. Consult the product pages for each ICE module to
determine the type, position, and function of any connectors used. See the respective product pages

Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37 ice:oem_integration http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ Printed on 2019/05/01 00:16
for each OEM board for a diagram of the positioning of any connectors.
For all ICE daughter modules, the circuit boards are designed such that all I/O connectors will be on a
single side, and the copper heatsinking tabs will be on the opposite side. The master controller (ICE-
MC1) also follows this convention, with the exception being the serial port flat flex connector.
Ultra-Miniature Coax Connector (UMCC)
The surface mount UMCC connectors (Molex PN: 0734120110) are used on the ICE-CS1 and ICE-CP1
for handling low-frequency analog signals (<8 GHz). A UMCC to UMCC cable or UMCC to SMA cable
may be used to integrate these connectors with the OEM system.
Fig. 7: Surface mount UMCC connector. Molex PN: 0734120110
Fig. 8: UMCC to UMCC cable. TE Connectivity PN: 2015357-3

2019/05/01 00:16 11/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
Fig. 9: UMCC to SMA Bulkhead cable. TE Connectivity PN 2032440-1
Flat Flex Connector (FFC)
These FFC connectors (FCI PN: SFW12R-1STE1LF) are used the ICE-QT1 to bring out the thermistor
and TEC drive signals. Lower pin count ones are also used on the ICE-MC1 master controller for
interfacing digital communications. Standard 1.00 mm pitch FFC jumper cables can be used to
connect to an FFC connector on the other end. The ICE system uses right angle, 1.00 mm pitch,
bottom contact FFC connectors.
Generally, the minimum bend radius for flat flex jumper
cables is 2mm. The length of the stiffener behind the
exposed contacts on the cable will determine how far out
from the FFC pcb connector the first bend of the flat flex
cable can occur. The clearance for this bend must be
accounted for when designing an enclosure for the ICE
boards. For example, with Molex brand flat flex cables, there
needs to be a minimum 0.25 inch clearance from the front of
the flat flex pcb connector to allow the cable to bend. Verify
against the data sheet of the chosen flat flex jumper cable.

Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37 ice:oem_integration http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ Printed on 2019/05/01 00:16
Fig. 10: Surface mount, 12-pin, 1.00 mm pitch, bottom contact FFC connector. FCI PN:
SFW12R-1STE1LF
Fig. 11: FFC jumper cable, 12-pin, 1.00 mm pitch. Molex PN: 0210390269
SMA Connector
These board edge SMA connectors (Emerson PN: 142-0701-881)are used on the ICE-CP1 for handling
high frequency RF signals (>8 GHz).

2019/05/01 00:16 13/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
Fig. 12: SMA through-hole, right-angle connector. Emerson PN: 142-0701-881
Communications
This section details considerations for communicating with ICE modules in the system. For pin
definitions and types of connectors for interfacing with the ICE stack, refer to the ICE-MC1 master
controller product page.
I2C Addressing
The ICE board stack uses an I2C communication bus to control each board. I2C is an addressable
protocal, therefore each ICE daughter module needs to have a unique address set. Up to 8 daughter
modules (not including the ICE-MC1 master controller) can be stacked together. Each ICE circuit board
has a 3 position DIP switch (shown in figure 13) installed that allows the setting of each modules I2C
address (between 0-7). The selection of address is in binary with DIP position 1 corresponding to the
least significant bit. Setting a bit “HIGH” is done by sliding the switch to the side marked with the
word “ON”, which is shown highlighted in figure 14. An example address setting is shown in table 2.
Valid I2C addresses are from 0-7, and every ICE module must be set to have a unique address or
communications bus collisions will occur.
DIP Position Bit Value
1 1
2 1
30
Tab. 2: Example setting of DIP switch to I2C address "3".
Each ICE module must be set to have a unique address or
communications bus collisions will occur.

Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37 ice:oem_integration http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ Printed on 2019/05/01 00:16
Fig. 13: Photo of I2C address selection DIP switch.
Fig. 14: The side which corresponds to ON or HIGH is highlighted in yellow.
Serial UART
The serial UART on the ICE-MC1 master controller runs at
3.3V signalling levels. Inputting 5V TTL signals will damage
the circuit board. No voltage should be applied to the master
controller USART lines when it is powered off or damage may
occur (using series 1kΩ resistors on these lines is
recommended).
The serial UART implemented on the ICE-MC1 master controller runs at 3.3V signalling levels.
Inputting 5V TTL signals will damage the circuit board. When the master controller is in an off state
(either from having been shutdown by the power switch or has just had power applied to its input but
hasn't had the power switch pressed yet), no voltages should be applied to UART. Since the UART
idles in a HIGH state usually, a serial device connected to a shutdown master controller could
potentially feed 3.3V into an unpowered microcontroller and damage it. Two ways to prevent this are
by taking advantage of using level-shifters or isolators if they are already needed in the system, or by
simply using 1kΩ series resistors on all UART lines going into the master controller.
The FFC connector on the master controller also provides a 3.3V power rail to power an isolator or
level-shifter. This power rail also indicates whether the master controller is powered or not and can be

2019/05/01 00:16 15/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
used by a connected system to determine whether it is safe to allow signalling on the USART lines. If a
level-shifter or isolator is to be used in the system, it is recommended to use this 3.3V rail to power
the side connected to the master controller to prevent any signalling to go through to the master
controller when it is unpowered.
If no level-shifting or isolation is desired, then it is
recommended for the OEM integrator to use 1kΩ series
resistors on all USART communication lines going into the
master controller. These series resistors will protect the
microcontroller from over-voltages up to 3.3V while it is
unpowered.
USB to Serial Conversion
For ease of communication from a PC, it may be desirable to use a USART to USB converter. A
commonly used IC to do this is an FTDI 232RL. This FTDI chip connects to the 3.3V UART interface and
then creates a virtual COM port on the PC connected to it. Standard methods of interacting with serial
ports may then be used for sending commands to the ICE-MC1 master controller. The FTDI chip has
an onboard 3.3V regulator and can be configured to signal at 3.3V on the serial UART lines. In
accordance with the UART protection recommendations given above, the 3.3V power rail provided
from the master controller can be used to power the FTDI chip's UART signalling pins, thereby
preventing any damage from occurring by signalling into an unpowered microcontroller on the master
controller. If this technique isn't used, series resistors should be used on the UART lines.
Sometimes the PC communicating with the ICE modules may be located far away or on a different
power circuit in the building. In this case, it may be desirable to isolate the power and ground of the
PC (via the USB cable) by using an galvanic isolator. The easiest place to put this isolator is between
the FTDI chip and UART of the master controller. The master controller's 3.3V rail can be used to
power one side of the isolator and the USB 5V rail can be used to power the other. The ICE Platform
enclosure uses an Analog Devices ADUM7441 to do this. An example implementation of this is shown
in figure 15.
Fig. 15: Example implementation of USB isolation using ADUM7441

Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37 ice:oem_integration http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ Printed on 2019/05/01 00:16
Power Command Sequence
When power up or shutting down the ICE modules, there are two I2C commands that must be sent.
The ICE-MC1 master controller automatically sends this commands and sequences the power rails, so
sending this commands is not necessary if the ICE-MC1 is used.
At power on, once all voltage rails have been turned on and settled, the “System Ready” I2C
command should be sent to the stack. It is advisable to wait at least 2.5 seconds after the last power
rail has been turned on to send this command. See the power sequencing section for timing details.
The ID of this command is 7 and takes no arguments. To send the command, send an I2C packet on
one byte with the value of 0x07 to each ICE daughter module address (possible addresses are 0-7). In
addition, the “Interlock” command should be sent to allow all modules that have a laser current
controller to turn on. The interlock command has an ID of 12 and an argument of 1. To send the
command, send an I2C packet on two bytes with the value of [0x0C,0x01] to each ICE daughter
module address (possible addresses are 0-7).
Before turning off any voltage rails for shutdown, the “System Shutdown” Read I2C command should
be sent to the stack. The ID of this command is 3 and takes no arguments. To send the command,
send an I2C packet on one byte with the value of 0x03 to each ICE daughter module address (possible
addresses are 0-7). This packet should be sent at least 1 second before turning off any power rails to
give time for all ICE daughter modules to prepare for a clean shutdown. Again, see the power
sequencing section for timing details.
These raw I2C bus commands do not apply if using the ICE-
MC1 master controller.
Digital Communications Bus Header
Details in this section do not apply if using the ICE-MC1
master controller.
The communications bus goes through a 0.1 inch board-to-board header located in the center of each
ICE circuit board. See the figure 3 for the pin definitions. If connecting directly to the ICE board stack
without using an ICE-MC1 master controller, external pull-up resistors must be implemented by the
OEM integrator on all the communication signals in this header (SDA, SCL, GPIO 1-4). The OEM
integrator should use 1kΩ resistors pulled up to 3.3V on all these lines. The GPIO event bus lines are
active low, but must float high when not in use. The SDA and SCL signals for the I2C bus must always
have pull up resistors no bigger than 1kΩ.
1) , 5)
These pullups are detailed later in the communications section
2) , 3) , 4)
This command is detailed in the communications section

2019/05/01 00:16 17/17 OEM Integration Guide
Product Manuals - http://www.vescent.com/manuals/
From:
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/ - Product Manuals
Permanent link:
http://www.vescent.com/manuals/doku.php?id=ice:oem_integration
Last update: 2014/07/30 18:37